Q&A: As the shame of a thief when he is found
As the shame of a thief when he is found
Question
A stole two thousand shekels from B (through various false pretenses). C found out and is forcing A to return it. A claims that it would be a great humiliation for him to admit that he stole it (he says it’s like investing 5,000 in order to return 2,000). Is it possible to return it without admitting anything—for example, the thief could throw two thousand shekels into the victim’s house with no explanation—or is he obligated to explain the whole matter to the victim? A practical question.
Answer
That is not part of the commandment of restitution. But it is part of repentance (until he appeases his fellow). If, in his estimation, his fellow will lose out because of this confession (for example, that he will no longer be able to remain his friend), then there is room to permit not confessing.